The complete luxury travel guide to Prague
Bohemian Prague is one of the most picturesque destinations in Eastern Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic is filled with stone bridges, gothic spires and cobbled streets, and is home to a hard-working collective of writers and artists. Explore this historic city - from its ancient castles to relics of its more recent Communist rule - and get swept up in its romantic atmosphere, from the pretty streets to the artistic mindset of its residents and the cosy pubs they frequent.
Eat & drink
Prague has its fair share of luxurious restaurants and fine dining. Book a table at the Aquarius restaurant at the Alchymist (a high end hotel) for Italian food in a fairytale setting. Liv Tyler and Charlotte Gainsbourg are fans, and after you’ve tried their Porcini risotto with forest mushrooms, you’ll be back for more. For traditional Czech food, visit U Maliru 1543, a restaurant that’s astoundingly been in operation since the date in its name, and has counted Rudolf II - a Holy Roman Emperor - among previous clients. Try the grilled fallow deer with rowan berry, mushrooms and chestnuts, and finish off with curd dumplings stuffed with plum and rum sauce. For drinks, visit U Zlateho Tygra, a charming pub with literary connections, and is still host to poets and playwrights.
Sleep
Many of Prague’s accommodation offerings make use of the history here. Stay at Augustine, a five-star hotel located next to Prague Castle and named after the 13th century Augustine monastery it is still connected to. Its historic setting is complimented by contemporary facilities and design, and you can tour the working monastery and its beautiful gardens. The hotel also has an onsite brewery, St. Thomas, and you can sample their products at the hotel restaurant, which were first brewed by the resident monks in 1352. For another historic offering on a smaller scale, book into U Tri Pstrosu, located in a restored 16th century house. The rooms at this boutique hotel have retained their wooden ceilings, are filled with antique furniture and have views over romantic Charles Bridge.
Explore
Many prolific writers, artists and musicians called Prague home, and you can visit the places they created their legendary works. Visit Kafka’s birthplace, a museum located in his family home with artifacts from his life in Prague and the inspirations behind his renowned novels and short stories. Prague Castle, a UNESCO monument, is an awe inspiring composition of different palaces and ecclesiastical buildings, including the Royal Palace with its spectacular vaulted ceiling and polished wooden floors, and St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest temple in Prague. The Astronomical Clock is a medieval world wonder located in the picturesque Old Town Square. Every hour, a beautiful mechanical performance occurs when the clock chimes - this has continued for over 600 years.
Shop
Prague is a fantastic place to hunt for antiques, vintage clothing and all kinds of second hand memorabilia. You’ll find lots of small shops in the maze-like cobbled streets of the Old Town, as well as in the neighbouring areas of Nové Mesto and Malá Strana. For books in particular, visit Antikvariát Mustek, a treasure trove of maps, antique books and vintage magazines. The main market street in Prague is Havelska, which sells fruit and vegetables in the morning, but unveils a selection of crafts and keepsakes in the afternoon. If you’re after fashion created by local designers, visit the Blackout boutique, a showcase of young Czech designers work. Couture focused pieces can be found at Tatiana Kováríková, a boutique lined with rows of painstakingly crafted evening wear.